It’s more than just alliteration;it’s a statement, a proclamation that Thursdays are when the weekend should really start. Kicking it off right is the key, and what better way than with a cocktail that not only takes the edge off, but tastes good too. A hard thing to disagree with, we know. Drink up, get down and go to sleep happy.

Haven’t heard of horchata? It’s a grain-based, milky drink made in various parts of Spain and Latin America. Ingrid Hoffman makes hers Mexican-style, with rice as the base. Vanilla and cinnamon add sweet, aromatic flavors. Think of it as a rich man’s White Russian, souped-up with spice but still teetering on delicious milkshake territory.

If Bob Dylan wrote a recipe, he probably wouldn’t rework one of his song titles to name it. But wouldn’t that be fun? We went ahead and mused on a few for him — just in case he catches the culinary bug in the near (or far) future. In honor of the release of his latest album Tempest, which hit shelves today, we reworked 9 popular titles to our stomachs’ likings.

It’s more than just alliteration;it’s a statement, a proclamation that Thursdays are when the weekend should really start. Kicking it off right is the key, and what better way than with a cocktail that not only takes the edge off, but tastes good too. A hard thing to disagree with, we know. Drink up, get down and go to sleep happy.

Crazy fun names are always harbingers of crazy awesome cocktails, and Alie and Georgia’s Beer-ly Legal Cocktail proves the rule. Brought to life with fresh tangerine juice and orange aperitif, the cocktail gets topped off with a splash of light beer. Get the recipe and watch them find their inspiration for the libation in the humble hotdog (which also gives rise to several wiener jokes.)

It’s more than just alliteration;it’s a statement, a proclamation that Thursdays are when the weekend should really start. Kicking it off right is the key, and what better way than with a cocktail that not only takes the edge off, but tastes good too. A hard thing to disagree with, we know. Drink up, get down and go to sleep happy.

Normally relegated to the likes of Bloody Marys and Micheladas, tomato juice has been looking to make a bigger splash for some time now. Fortunately for everyone, we’ve got just the thing. Starting with in-season beefsteak tomatoes, this heirloom tomato cocktail gets a sweet infusion from thyme simple syrup before it’s rounded off with gin, lemon juice and grenadine. It tastes like if you put sugar on an heirloom tomato instead of salt, and it was delicious.

What’s better than Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling sharing a moment in the kitchen? Easy: Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling sharing a moment in the kitchen over jambalaya.

In Warner Brothers‘ spring 2012 blockbuster “The Lucky One,” U.S. Marine Sergeant Logan Thibault (Efron) returns from his third tour of duty in Iraq, with the one thing he credits with keeping him alive—a photograph he found of a woman he doesn’t know. When he finds out her name and where she lives, he shows up at her door. Rather than spoil the rest, we’ll give you a heads up: a luscious Louisiana meal ensues, and it involves one of our favorite Cajun dishes: Jambalaya.

Which got us thinking… Efron finds his lucky charm in Louisiana — can you can find yours in its cuisine?

It’s more than just alliteration;it’s a statement, a proclamation that Thursdays are when the weekend should really start. Kicking it off right is the key, and what better way than with a cocktail that not only takes the edge off, but tastes good too. A hard thing to disagree with, we know. Drink up, get down and go to sleep happy.

It’s National Rum Day, which — of course — necessitates a rum-kissed libation or two. Whether you choose a minty mojito, spiked punch, dark and stormy or daiquiri is up to you. We’ve got 10 killer cocktails to get you started.

To celebrate this year of the Olympics and a presidential election, Cooking Channel asked fans what dishes represent their states and then worked with our kitchens to create original recipes for each of the 50 states. (Read all about the project here.) Each state has its own unique food scene, but we couldn’t help but notice some trends across the map from coast to coast

When regional pride comes smoked, piled high and served alongside a variety of slaws and sides, things can get a bit tasty — and a bit testy, too. For example, try serving dry-rub ribs to a friend from Kansas City and you’re bound for a lesson in proper Kansas City-style barbecue sauce. When it comes to Southern BBQ, styles vary not only from state to state, but city to city.

That photo above — it’s beautiful, isn’t it? From the in-your-face mound of pulled pork with seeded bun to the out-of-focus iced drink and warm tones of the color scheme — everything about it works together to create an irresistible image. In fact, our stomachs have been growling ever since we laid eyes on it and the rest of our state-favorite food beauties. By now, you’ve likely seen our list of 50 dishes that represent American cuisine. And if not, trust us: you’ll want to click through to see many more delectable classics.

We sat down with photographer Tara Donne to walk us through all the gorgeous photography that now graces our Across the Country in 50 State Dishes experience. From the set up and organization behind the pulled pork shot featured above, to the challenges, delights and highlights of photographing 50+ different recipes, each with a feel and theme inspired by a different state, Tara took us behind the scenes of her epic photo shoot.

Cooking Channel: Capturing a flattering food photograph takes a lot longer than one might think. Can you walk us through the nuts and bolts of a photograph like the pulled pork shot you captured above?

Meatloaf make you think of Will Ferrell? What about over-stuffed burritos (half-eaten and thrown out of driver’s seat windows)? A full-grown man in an elf suit should at least incite thoughts of syrup and candy-topped spaghetti, right? Admit it already, you can’t hold a beer funnel without mouthing the name of its eponymous champion, Frank the Tank. It’s cool, you’re not alone — Mr. Ferrell has provided us with enough food-filled movie scenes to beckon associations at every meal.

The Campaign, Ferrell’s latest comedic venture, hits the box office today so we thought we’d celebrate with a few of our favorite Will Ferrell food clips to celebrate. With everything from warm milk to cold-blooded karate, it’s the pu pu platter of Will Ferrell food moments and it would be awfully rude of us not to share.

It’s more than just alliteration;it’s a statement, a proclamation that Thursdays are when the weekend should really start. Kicking it off right is the key, and what better way than with a cocktail that not only takes the edge off, but tastes good too. A hard thing to disagree with, we know. Drink up, get down and go to sleep happy.

Many drinks promise a bite, but few deliver like this serrano pepper-kissed margarita. Brave through the first few sips and you’ll be rewarded with a glassful of refreshing and complementary flavors. From the salt, paprika and lime powder-dusted rim to the splash of sweet Grand Marnier that helps ease the heat, this spicy margarita balances the punch you want with the crispness you crave. Garnish with a few slices of serrano pepper, if you dare.